Blush Technique

If you’re on beauty TikTok or Insta lately, you know the name Painted by Esther. 🎨✨ Esther Edeme is the celebrity makeup artist behind the glowing cheeks of Chloe Bailey, Saweetie, Nara Smith, and so many more. Her signature? That bold, fluorescent blush look that somehow feels soft, radiant, and unapologetic all at once. Fans even call her the “final boss of blush blindness” 💖—and she’s turned what used to be a risky color choice into a confidence move, especially for darker skin tones. Ready to try it for yourself? Let’s break down exactly how to recreate Esther’s viral blush technique step by step.

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A post shared by Ngozi Edeme (@paintedbyesther)

Prep
Before we dive into blush, let’s set the stage. ✨ Start with a little self-care moment — pop on a pair of hydrating eye patches (the Peter Thomas Roth Instant Firmx ones are a fave) to wake up and plump your under-eye area. This step matters because Esther’s blush sits a bit higher on the cheeks, and you don’t want any creasing. While those patches are working their magic (about 10–15 minutes), go ahead and shape your brows and finish your eye look. Once you peel them off, lock in hydration with a primer like Milk Makeup’s Hydro Grip, then smooth on a light layer of foundation. Brighten with concealer only where you need it — we’re going for fresh and seamless, not cakey. 💖

Blush
Here’s where the magic happens 💖 — Esther’s signature blush moment. Start with a bold liquid blush (think Rare Beauty Soft Pinch in Lucky 🌸) and place it high on the cheekbones, closer to the hairline than you’d normally go. Tap, tap, tap to blend upward — this keeps the color lifted and sculpted instead of sinking the face.

Next, for that multi-dimensional glow, layer a slightly cooler-toned blush right at the apples of the cheeks and blend it seamlessly into the first shade. Lock it in with a pink-toned setting powder dusted lightly over the same areas for that soft-focus, dreamy flush.

Pro tip: Set your under-eyes with a puff + loose powder so the blush really pops without any creasing. To finish, sweep on a mix of hot pink + cool-toned powder blushes right over top. This layering trick is so Painted by Esther — vibrant, dimensional, and unapologetically blush-forward. 🎨✨

@paintedbyesther
Watch me Glam queen @Huda & i tried the new Unreleased Easy Bake shade… What do you think? Is U** a vibe or WHATT? 💜💓#hudabeauty #HUDA #fyp #makeup
♬ originalljud – Matilda Fleberg

@beatsbydeb
woah… @Paintedbyesther COME TO THE FRONT😩🔥
♬ original sound – Peaceful Melody World – Peaceful Melody World

Renowned Makeup Artist and Brand Founder Patrick Ta has curated glamorous looks for A-listers like Gigi Hadid, Shay Mitchell, Camila Cabello, and Sydney Sweeney. While celebrated for his flawless beats, one standout feature has become his signature touch. Ta consistently employs a unique under-eye blush technique, using a soft, baby-pink blush. The result? A real-life filter effect, that enhances the beauty of every model and celebrity he works with. In a groundbreaking move, Patrick Ta has finally unveiled the details of his under-eye blush technique, giving you all you need to recreate this stunning look.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CxNxJokMeqG/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

For this technique, Patrick starts with powder blush and then sets it with cream blush—and this goes against pretty much everything we have learned about makeup. Set your creams and liquids with powder, right? Wrong! This technique completely blew up on social media because it goes against the norm.

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Of course, Ta busts out his blush product, Major Headlines Double-Take, to achieve this radiant, rosy glow. This compact palette combines a cream and powder blush. Many bright pinks will work, but we highly recommend ‘She’s a Doll’; it is ideal for achieving that bright blushing effect. Unlike the conventional approach of starting with the cream formula, Ta begins with the powder blush. Using a blush brush, he delicately applies it to the apples of the cheeks, moving upward. Next, set the blush with a white setting powder, followed by a pink setting powder for a bright, blurred under-eye effect. Ensure to dust off any excess powder before proceeding.

Returning to the PATRICK TA Major Headlines Double-Take Crème & Powder Blush Duo, use the cream formula to reapply over the same area, slightly extending the color under the eye. This step revives the natural glow in your complexion. While the under-eye blush technique may take longer than a standard look, the stunning result is worth the effort, especially for photographs.

This hack combines the best of both concepts — the cream blush adds a layer of depth to the powder, while the powder tames down that ultra sheen that sometimes accompanies wearing cream blush. We wouldn’t call the finish dewy, but a glossy velvet, as if this is just nature flushing your skin from within. The number of compliments we got on our makeup from friends after trying the technique was astonishing. “Whatever you’re doing, keep doing that,” they encouraged.

You might be wondering what makes Patrick Ta’s viral blush technique so special. And the answer is quite simple: luminosity. If you’re the sort of person who wants to look bright and glowing, this technique was made for you. The whole point of doing the powder and then cream is because the cream adds sheen to your skin. Whereas, on the other hand, if you set your cream with a powder, you’re getting a more matte effect. Trust us when we say once you try Patrick Ta’s viral blush technique, you will never go back to your old ways.

@patrickta
Try Using My Technique Using My Major Headlines Cream Blush Over Powder @patricktabeauty In Shade She’s A Doll
♬ original sound – patrick ta

What are your thoughts on Patrick Ta’s under eye blush technique?